Quote:
Originally Posted by Aces4
You’re stating that unless a pit bull has just the right attention at just the right time, it’s innate temperament will take over. You’ve made the argument for us that they can never be trusted.
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No, I'm stating what I stated. Different types of dogs need different types of stimulation and care. A shepherd thrives on - herding sheep. Go figure. With a lack of sheep, it'll do fine if it can herd other things. Like people. Guarding for and caring for people, that's what they can do best, as domestic pets. A terrier thrives on hunting for things. Actual hunting - or just looking for stuff. Getting out there and chasing after things that run away. That's what they thrive on. If you don't give them that opportunity, you need to give them some similar stimulation. ALL terriers.
Retrievers - to the surprise of no one ever - retrieve things. That's what they do best, what they thrive on doing. They make great search and rescue animals, and terrific frisbee dogs.
Mastiffs are totally awesome for guarding large expansive properties and estate grounds. If you treat a mastiff like a lap dog (as long as he doesn't break your legs in the process) you should expect him to get really grumpy. And when a 150-pound drooling sack of solid muscle gets grumpy, expect your furniture to disappear - chunk by chunk.
Different types of dogs have different types of purposes - and as a result, different types of needs. If you try to treat a pit bull the same way you treat a St. Bernard, you'll end up with a mess. Just like if you expected your 4-pound miniature malti-poo to serve as a guard dog in your 18-room mansion.
Pit bulls are not lap dogs, they're not shepherds, they're not retrievers. They're hunters. They are domesticated animals, and have a lot of energy that has to be put to constructive use. If the dog lashes out, it's because the owner did something wrong. Or because someone intentionally ****ed it off.